Metatarsal pad



A. WEITSEN METATARSAL PAD May 2, 1933.

Filed Aug. l0, 1951 INVENTOR /erz Waisen y BY /f W7 ATTORNEY Patented May 2, 1933 UNITED STATES ALBERT WEITSEN, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK METATARSAL PAD Application led August 10, 1931. Serial No. 556,092.

This invention relates to arch supports as combined with footwear, particularly designed for individuals troubled with foot ailments as fallen arches, flat feet and the like, caused by the small bones of the feet assuming an unnatural position, rendering walking diiicult and uncomfortable.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a flexible cushion-like support for the metatarsal bones which can be worn with entire comfort.

A further feature is in the provision of `a support preferably united to the inner sole of an ordinary shoe, in such manner as to become substantially integral therewith, but removable if desired.

Another aim is to produce a metatarsal support of suitable shape confined in proper position to render its action efficacious.

These important objects are accomplished Vby the novel construction and combination of a single simple part with the inner sole of a shoe, as hereinafter fully described and shown in the accompanying drawing, forming an essential component of this disclosure, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a partial side elevational view of a conventional shoe, parts being broken away to show an embodiment of the invention as applied.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of an inner sole showing the device secured thereto.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 2. Y

common shoe is shown in Fig. 1, the same being composed of an outer or main sole 10, heel 1l, upper 12 and toe 13.

Secured within the body of the shoe is an inner sole 14 extending preferably from toe to heel, the sole having at a point centrally in front of the instep, directly below a position back of the shanks'of the metatarsal bones, a diamond shaped opening 15 the side walls of which may be inclined due to the process of producing the opening.

Obviously, any preferred shape of opening other than circular will answer the purpose, which is to prevent rotary displacement of the correspondingly shaped shank 16 of a highly pliable, iexible pad 17, formed integrally the surface-of the inner sole.

Integral with the lower end of the shank 16 is a marginal flange`18 adapted to grippingly engage the inner sole 14, being com- Y pressed thereagainst, due to its contact with the outer sole 10, and thereby held permanently in its applied position.

Preferably the pad 17 is composed' of fine rubber throughout (though obviously any suitable resilient material may be used) generally triangular in contour, its marginal edges 19 being reduced substantially to a line in thickness, gradually raising pyramidally to an apex 20 centrally of the cushion.

From the foreging it will be seen that a neat and effective pad had been disclosed in the best known form of its embodiment, but it will be understood that minor changes in shape, manner of fastening, and position may be resorted to as falling well within the scope of the appended claim.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and sought to secure by Letters Patent, is:

As an article of manufacture, an inner sole for shoes, comprising a sheet material cut to conform to the outline of the shoe, said inner sole having a polygonal perforation located at a point centrally in front of the instep directly below a position back of the shanks of the metatarsal bones of a foot for which the shoe is to be used and a resilient cushion having an arcuate upper surface, an integral reduced stem on said cushion, corresponding in shape to the perforation in the inner sole and fitting therein, and a marginal flange integral with the other end of said stem adapted to engage the under surface of the inner sole to securely position the cushion thereon.

Signed at New York in the county and State and New York, this 24th day of July,

ALBERT WEITSEN.

therewith to project upwardly above 

